3 Common IBS Myths

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition affecting how the digestive system functions. The symptoms of IBS can be stomach pain, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.

Unfortunately, 1 in 10people suffer with IBS and there is currently no cure. This leads individualsto unknowingly seek out information from incorrect sources, leading to mythsaround the condition.

This article discussesthe top 3 IBS myths that we hear from our clients in clinic.

1. Sugar Causes IBS Flare Ups

Sugar may not be great for your overall health,but sugar is actually very easily absorbed in the digestive system. Now, thereare different types of sugar which may cause symptoms if you have a particularintolerance, but usually these need to be in quite high quantities e.g.fructose.

What you are actually reacting to in high sugarfoods, is often the portion size, fat content and FODMAPs. Think aboutsomething like a cake or a chocolate bar, these contain sugars, but also otherIBS triggers such as fat, lactose and fructans.

2. IBS Causes Malabsorption

With some of the symptoms of IBS, it can beeasy to think that you are not absorbing all your food. But, actually you are.  Sometimes people will experience weight lossor certain nutritional deficiencies with IBS, but this is because they areavoiding certain foods, not because of their lack fo ability to absorb food.  Now, you can also be suffering with amalabsorption problem such as lactose intolerance. This similar to IBS symptomsadding further confusion to the situation.

3. Fasting Helps IBS

If you are suffering with severe symptoms,simply skipping a meal may seem like a really attractive solution.  This may help you that morning / initialperiod after when you would normally eat. But irregular eating in IBS hasactually been shown to worsen symptoms over all.

Take Home Message

IBS is a complicated condition. There is a lot of incorrect information available online so be sure to get your advice from a registered dietitian.